10 Famous People from Casablanca

French Montana – American rapper

Born Karim Kharbouch in Casablanca, Morocco, French Montana immigrated to New York City with his family at age 13. Now an international recognised hip hop star and famously ex boyfriend of Khloe Kardashian.
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Nawal El Moutawakel – Olympic champion

Women had never competed in the 400m hurdles at the Olympic Games prior to Los Angeles in 1984, and in becoming the inaugural winner El Moutawakel’s win was as impressive as it was unexpected. Watch the video on the inaugural Women’s 400m Hurdles were staged at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. IOC Vice President Nawal El Moutawakel talks us through the final.

Jean Reno – French Hollywood actor

Jean Reno is a Moroccan born French actor of Spanish descent born July 30, 1948 in Casablanca, Morocco. His film credits span the last two decades including The Big Blue in 1988 where he was nominated for a César Award for Best Supporting Actor, Nikita (1990).

Abdallah Zrika – Moroccan poet

Abdallah Zrika (Arabic: عبد الله زريقة‎) was born 1953 in Casablanca and is one of the most famous Moroccan poets. His poetry is free, based on spoken language and unrivalled in contemporary Arabic literature in its spontaneity. In 1978, he was arrested and condemned to two years of prison for his writing. His poetry includes Dance of the Head and the Rose (1977), Laughter from the Tree of Words (1982), The Triangle´s Apple (1998), Black Butterflies (1998) and Steps of Metaphysics (2000). He has written novels some of which have been translated into French including The Woman with the Two Horses and Graveyard of Happiness.

Chems-Eddine Zinoune

Chems-Eddine Zinoune (1980–2008) dancer, actor and choreographer, born in Casablanca August 27, 1980 . He starred in the film about Ibn Battutah called Journey to Mecca (2009) which was released after his death. He died in a tragic car accident in Casablanca in November 2008.

Noureddine Naybet – Moroccan footballer

Noureddine Naybet born 10 February 1970 in Casablanca) is a retired Moroccan international football player and captain. His position was central defender. Naybet played a record 115 matches for the Morocco national football team from 1990 to 2006. He was selected for the 1994 and 1998 World Cups, as well as six Africa Cup of Nations and the 1992 Olympic football.

Larbi Benbarek – Moroccan footballer

Larbi Benbarek or Larbi Ben Mbarek, also known as the Black Pearl was born 16 June 1914 (died 16 September 1992) was a Moroccan football player recognized as the first successful African player in Europe. He was the first player to bear the nickname of Black Pearl. Larbi rose to fame in the French league and played for France.

Hakim Noury – Moroccan film director

Hakim Noury is an actor and director, known for Le bout du monde (2011), Elle est diabétique et hypertendue et elle refuse de crever (1999) and Elle est diabétique 3 (2013). His son Swel Noury also a noted film director

Laila Marrakchi

Born in Casablanca, Morocco December 10, 1975. Film director most famous for the controversial film Marock … read more about the film